Download Scoop the Poop - Lynnhaven River Now

Pet Waste and Water Quality:
It’s Not Just on the Lawn, It’s in Your Water
What is the problem?
Scooping your pooch’s poop isn’t just a
courtesy for those walking behind you; it is
also the healthy and environmentally sound
thing to do. Pet waste can be a significant
source of water pollution. When pet waste is
not properly disposed, it can be carried by
rainwater runoff directly into nearby
waterbodies or into storm drains. Storm
drains in streets and neighborhoods flow
directly to a stream, river, or estuary without
any treatment. Untreated animal fecal matter
and wastes are a source of harmful bacteria
and nutrients in water. Just as we don’t want
human sewage in our water, it is important
to prevent pet waste from being carried into
our waterways because of negligence.
What you can do:
You can follow these easy steps to be part
of the solution to pet waste contamination.
1. The first step is to always carry a
plastic bag with you when you walk
your dog. Re-using an old newspaper
delivery bag or plastic grocery bag
works well.
2. Using the bag like a glove, you can then
pick up the pet waste, turn the bag
inside out around the waste, seal the
bag, and dispose of it in a trash can.
You can also flush un-bagged pet waste
down the toilet.
3. Don't place the bagged or unbagged pet waste in a storm drain
or hose the pet waste towards storm
drains as they drain directly to a stream,
river, lake or other waterbody.
4. Cleaning up after your pets in your
own yard is as important as cleaning
up after them in public places.
Are you risking your health?
People are at risk of getting sick from
drinking or swimming in water contaminated
by pet waste. Dogs can be significant hosts
of disease causing organisms, including
giardia and Salmonella, which are protozoan
and bacterial infections transmitted to
humans by animals. Our beaches in Virginia
Beach have been closed due to bacteria
contamination and 69% of the Lynnhaven
River is closed to shellfish harvest because of
bacterial contamination.
The latest research
The environmental impact of dog waste has
gone unrecognized for decades. Scientists
recently developed a new lab technique of
fingerprinting DNA to match bacteria found in
the water to the bacteria from specific
animals, including humans and domestic
animals. Using this type of forensic science,
scientists have found that dogs are a
significant contributor of harmful bacteria in
our waterways.
Other neighborhood water pollutants
Dog waste is only one of many pollutants
from our neighborhoods that add to water
pollution. Lawn fertilizers, motor oil,
driveway sand and salt, and soapy water
from washing cars in driveways commonly
end up in our streams, lakes and rivers.
Tell friends and neighbors about the affect of
animal waste on the environment and our
health. Encourage them to clean up after
their pets and to dispose of the pet waste
properly.
For more information
Contact:
1608 Pleasure House Road, Suite 108
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
757-472-0406 www.lynnhavenrivernow.org